From breath to creation

Since last spring, I've been struggling with my breathing, and it has taken a toll on me both physically and mentally. At almost 49, this is the first time in my life I have felt so beaten down by illness. It has been so exhausting that I have had to shift my plans and objectives. My Asian heritage may tell me that the purpose of life is suffering, but I reject that notion. Although I am confused about how to avoid that path, so I turn to art for answers.

Art is a powerful tool for healing, guiding me to seek beauty in all things and explore disguised potentials. I felt like I was in a trance, repeating the same mantra in my mind: all I need now is air and art, air and art. It was like a beacon of light in the darkness, reminding me that no matter what I’m going through, these two things will always be with me.

Air, the life-giving force that sustains all living beings and allows us to breathe. It’s a reminder that we are all connected and that life can be so simple, just like the air around us.

Art, the creative expression of who we are. It’s the ultimate form of self-expression, allowing us to express our emotions and ideas, to be able to connect with others on a deeper level, and to create something beautiful out of nothing.

When I find myself feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I repeat my mantra again: reminding myself that the most important things in life are often not the tangible ones. Air and art provide me a sense of freedom and creativity fill me with a sense of peace and joy that can be found nowhere else.